Skeleton structure



Nov. 16, 1937. ARMBRUSTER SKELETON STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 51, 1955 6Sheets-Sheet 2 L. ARMBRUSTER SKELETON STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 31, 1935 Nov.16, 1937.

6 Sheets-Sheet 3 1'1 eva Nov. 16, 1937.

L. ARMBRUSTER v SKELETON STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 51, 1 955 6 Sheets-Sheet 4iii 5 35k:

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SKELETON STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 31, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet 5 Z'Z'Qfi INVENTOFNov. 16, 1937.-

Nov. 16, 1937. L. ARMBRUSTER SKELETON STRUCTURE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed001;. 31, 1935 i 8 RY 2 w w a I e 9 W q .9 :H g 7 W a a Patented Nov.16, 1937 PATENT OFFICE SKELETON STRUCTURE Ludwig Armbruster,Berlin-Zehlendorf, Germany Application October 31, 1935, Serial No.47,689 In Germany October 5, 1933 27 Claims.

My invention relates to skeleton structures for buildings and the like,and it is an object of this invention to improve such skeletonstructures with a view to enhancing their mechanical and functionalqualities and to simplifyingtheir production.

More particularly, my invention covers novel methods and means forarranging insulating cells with air spaces in the horizontal andvertical areas between the horizontal beams and vertical columnscomprising the skeleton framework of the building. These sections of theframeworks of buildings, especially the vertical areas between adjacentbeams and columns, are sometimes referred to as bays.

A further object of this invention resides in certain features forsupporting said insulating means; so, for instance, insulating webs orstrips may be braced and stiffened by elements which will at the sametime brace the entire buildingstructure, including the ceilings orintermediate walls. It will be understood that the skeleton structureswithin the meaning of this invention may be buildings of any dimensions,even those where rigid, self-supporting plates are used instead ofcolumns, stems or joists.

It is a still further object of this invention to produce the insulatingcells of said wall or ceiling areas or bays from insulating webs which.con- 30 sist of corrugated carboard, and to-fasten and secure thesewebs by struts or bars pressing the angularly bent or folded edges ofthe insulating webs by clamping action against the posts, frames orsills of the structure. In this system, the in- 7 sulating webs enveloptogether with other coatings each skeleton frame like boundary walls andare mutually supported by means of a series of said struts arranged likea grate between adjacent webs.

' 40 The insula ing webs, for vertical and horizontal walls may beprovided with supporting or strengthening projections, ribs, foldsand'the like whic can be produced by bending the web edges. In a furtherembodiment of this invention, the 5 insulating webs which consist of oneor more lay ers of plain or corrugated cardboard may further comprisecoatings. such as paints or even metal foils fastened within thesupporting ribs. By such coatings and cover ngs the qualities of theskele- 50 ton wall with res eat to rad ation and heat-condu ct vity willbe improved. T e inven ion further resides in providing for horizon alwalls. ce lings for example, a shored 2nd subd vided vaulted or archedfloor and ceiling 55 construction enclosing insulating cells. Thisvaulted or arched insulating construction may be attached by struts tothe beams or joists and can be completed by a.continuously' extendingcovering or ceiling layer. The covering layer itself will preferably besupported by bars fastened on the beams and may comprise additionalinsulating cells.

In accordance with this invention, insulating air cells may also beproduced within intermediate walls or exterior sheathings of skeletonstructures by using for these walls a mixture of mortar, plaster oranother cement and of light, plaited, shredded scraps consisting ofcarboard, paper or other light materials. A wall or plastering layerproduced in this manner may be improved, as to the insulating effect, bysuperimposed insulating webs.

In order to stiffen and brace the wall-core or. also the outerplastering layer, diagonal wires or iron rods may be provided which aretensioned by 20 intertwining. Such bracing elements are adapted to joinadjacent or superimposed wall areas or bays of building frameworks andcan at the same time be used to carry the plastering as well as tostrengthen thewhole building. To this end, the diagonal wires arearranged in accordance with the'ground plan of the house and theposition of the walls to be built up in any number above, beneath or onboth sides of a beam-layer. They are-rigidly connected to all skeletonparts which they cross. Since the bracing elements are embedded into aplastering layer, they do not need any considerable space and can, forthis reason, also be combined with the usual wallor ceiling-coverings.If the plastering has hardened, the diagonal wires will represent arigid system extending over the entire house.

In order to permit the novel braced insulating elements to be separatelyand independently constructed, the insulating webs are preferably ar- 40ranged outside or inside a layer of quickly hardening cements, such asplaster, which at the same time enclose reinforcing means, as, forinstance, woven wire netting or expanded metal. The insulating webswhich can also consist of separate insulating bodies each comprising aplurality of corrugated cardboard layers, form together with the cementa compact, self-supporting building element whose edges will bestrengthened by frames of iron rods or wires. As particularly suitablefor the purposes of illustration, a structure has been shown whichcomprises a plain paper strip provided on both sides with corrugatedcardboard, The heads of bothcorrugatious arearranged in the samevertical plane, so that at any point an air layer is obtained.

When combining the elements of the insulating webs, an insecticide maybe added to the glue or paste; for example, arsenic can be mixed withsilicious varnish. The poisonous layer is then covered by the outerpaper-coating and, thus, will not endanger domestic animals.

Other objects and aims of the invention more or less specificthan thosereferred to above, will be in part obvious and in part pointed out inthe course of the" following description of the elements, combinations,arrangements of part's'and applications of principles, constituting theinvention; and the scope-of protection contemplated willsbe indicated inthe appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated some preferredembodiments of my invention, I

Fig. 1 shows the filling of spaces within the framework of a buildingwith a series of insulating webs of corrugated cardboard which webs formtogether vertical air cells,

Fig. 2 illustrates a section of an external wall with bracing elementsadapted to support at the same time insulating cells (not shown),

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through a skeleton wall area or baycomprising insulating means and an internal and external plastering orcovering,

Figs. 4, 5 and 7-10 are views in cross-section illustrating thestructure and the arrangement of insulating webs provided withsupporting ribs or folds, Fig. 5 being a view in horizontal sectiontaken at right angles to Fig. 4 near the center thereof between themembers 40.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of such webs, Fig. 11 isa view in perspective illustrating an example of the formation of saidsupporting ribs, while Fig. 12 shows the winding up of the novelinsulating webs for transportation purposes,

Figs. 13-15 illustrate different forms of corrugated cardboard used asinsulating webs,

Fig. 16 shows a supporting arch enclosing air cells, particularly foruse in ceiling constructions, and

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate in a vertical section the combination of saidsupporting arch structure with a continuously extending covering orceiling layer,

Figs. 19 and 20 are vertical sections through a vertical wall where thewall core or a portion of the outer covering respectively is providedwith plaited, shredded scraps or chips of relatively small size servingas an insulating means, Fig. 19 showing a wall in process ofconstruction, the right hand side not yet having been plastered, andFig. 20 showing at the same time air cells made of insulating webs-andbracing elements,

Fig. 21 shows diagrammatically in a horizontal section a skeletonstructure with four corner posts, a layer of cells and joists beingbraced to form a rigid frame or plate,

Fig. 22 shows in elevation, with certain laminations broken away similarbracing means for a vertical wall, where the plaster coatings are partlyremoved, while Fig. 23 is a cross-section of the wall shown in Fig. 24shows a modified structure of a horizontal wall such as floor andceiling,

Fig. 25 illustrates a further form of corrugated cardboard,

Figs. 26, 28 and 29 show insulating webs in combination with wire websor expanded metal and the application of such a structure to themanufacture of separate, self-supporting insulating plates; Fig. 2'7being a perspective view of a similar structure; and

Fig. 30 is a horizontal section through the corner of a steel-skeletonstructure.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1', 2 and3, insulating dead air cells 45, 46, 41 are arranged between horizontalbeams 40 and vertical columns M respectively; these intersecting beamsand columns outlining rectangular spaces or bays and comprising theskeleton structure of the building. The cells are produced by means ofcorrugated cardboard webs 48 having folded or bent flanges 59 which aresecured in place by being urged outwardly against the supportingstructure by means of bendable struts IS in any desired position.Preferably, the struts l6 have the same width as the flanges or edges59; if, therefore, struts I6 are arranged behind each other through allair cells (Fig. 1), they brace at the same time also the panels formedby the webs transversely of the bays.

Furthermore, the struts l6 may engage at each end with a wave of thecorrugated material so as to avoid any damage to the latter. They mayconsist of wood, metal or other suitable materials, and are arched orbowed either upwards or downwards, or merely arranged in an inclineddirection like the bar I! in the remote cell of the panel shown inFig. 1. If desired, the pressure caused by the struts 16 could beuniformly divided over the angular flanges or edges of the insulatingwebs by means of flat bars l8 which may be provided with notches I9 forthe ends of the struts I6. I

Figs. 3 and 4 show the bays of a skeleton structure or frameworkprovided with panels defining dead air cells and covered with plasteringlayers 42, the structure in Figure 3 employing the panel spacing andsecuring means including the elements l5 as shown in Figure 1, and thestructure in Figure 4 using the expedient of bending the panels asfurther illustrated 'in varying forms in Figures 6 to 15, inclusive.Fig. 5 is a horizontal section through a similar structure provided withinsulating cells. Within the plastering layers, diagonal bracingelements 43 are arranged which may be intertwined as indicated at 4, inFig. 2.

The insulating cells l5, 46, 41 produced by insulating webs 48 may bewith advantage subdivided horizontally at equal distances by supportingfolds or ribs 5|, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6-10.- Instead of having thelongitudinal edges of the webs l8 bear against the vertical columns,(Fig. 5), and in order to cover the skeleton elements and to secure theinsulating cells in position, one or more intermediate layers 52 areinserted.

The supporting ribs 5| are more clearly illustrated in Fig.6. They maybe merely folded or also basted or stitched at the bottom as may bedeemed favourable in each case. In Fig. '7 which is a vertical sectionthrough insulating webs, the folds 5| of the webs 48 are arranged behindeach other. Every fold is closed in this embodiment by a metal clamp 53which may replace stitching. The head of each rib 5| engages here thefold of the adjacent web so that the folds 5| support each other, whilethe clamps 53 are limiting this engagement.

In Fig. 8, two insulating webs ll are spaced from each other, theirsupporting ribs or folds 5| being directed outwardly from the center ofthe wall, while their distance may be maintained by means of clampingand spacing bars 54 or other similar spacing members. Likewise, Figs. 9and 10 show the use of two cardboard members 48; in Fig. 9 thesupporting folds 5| are turned towards each other; in Fig. 10, one ofthe insulating members provides supporting ribs, while the other one isplain.

Throughout all figures, 58 designates a coating which, consisting of afoil or the like, may be provided as a protection against moisture,radiation of heat, transmission of light, destruction by insects and thelike. Preferably, the coating 58 is arranged at the open side of thefolds 5|; its margins may in this way be deflected into the folds orribs, thus being reliably secured. If, however, the coating extends overthe total height and width of the insulating boards, it may completelyfill the folds 5| and be fixed by the clamps or clips 53, as shown inFig. 7.

The coating 58 which could also be replaced by a metal paint or the likemay be useful for different purposes. So, for example, the coating orpaint of insulating layers, if applied to the outside of make-shiftbuildings, refuges against airplane attacks, or shelters for tropicalcountries and so on, can be done in variegated and irregular patterns,as camouflage, while the material may be impregnated at the same timeagainst destruction by insects or the like.

If, for instance, the coating 58 consists of a metal foil, air-tightnessand good protection against moisture is obtained, although theheatconducting power of the metal is unfavourable so that the goodinsulating properties of the dead air enclosed within the cells will beinjured. If,

however, according to Fig. 4, a coating 58 of aluminium foil and an airlayer is followed by another member made of corrugated cardboard, theheat conductivity of the metal foil which is at the same time stiffenedby the insulating web,

will be diminished. Also the radiation is de-' creased since the metalcovering does not receive any radiation of the adjacent cardboard. Onthe other hand the insulating effect regarding heat and sound isenhanced by avoiding the convection by means of thehorizontal supportingribs 5|. Besides, also the irregular wall surface of the corrugatedpaper-layers 48 impedes the convection currents within the air cells sothat the exchange of every cell is likewise reduced to the smallestdegree. The optimum effect will be obtained if the distance of the aircells be about 5 cm. Last but not least, this insulating action is alsoassisted by the air cells enclosed within the waves of the laminatedcorrugated paper itself.

Fig. 11 illustrates the embodiment of supporting folds 5| in combinationwith the deflected edges 59 of the insulating webs 48. The edge 59 is atcorresponding points provided with notches so that flaps 60 are formed.These flaps are shifted to one side or the other of the edges 59 whichare likewise bent over, see Fig. 11. At points 6|, both parts are joinedtogether by fastening, pasting, riveting or in any other suitable oneside, covered by a flat layer; if desired a fiat web may also bearranged on the other side, as indicated at 49'. The insulating layershown in Fig. 14 provides a fiat central web covered by two corrugatedstrips, while Fig. 15 discloses a corru- V gated web where thesupporting rib 5| is not reinforced, but the corrugated part isstiffened by a superposed coating such as'a metal foil.

The insulating web shown in Fig. 25 in crosssection consists of a plainor fiat central layer 62.

The depressions 63 of the corrugated member provided on the one side ofthe layer 62 are situated above the depressions of the corrugated memberon the other side thereof, so that there is no point where paper layersonly are situated directly above each other;] air cells are ratherformed at all places between the corrugations. In this way aparticularly favourable insulation is obtained.

According to this invention, the materials used for insulating layerslike those of Figs. 13-15, for instance, may be arbitrarily interchangedin correspondence with the prevailing purposes. As a pasting means forjoining fiat and corrugated parts, especially for tropical purposes,silicious varnish which is mixed with a certain quantity of a poison,may be used, such as arsenic. Thus, in a construction like in Fig. 14,for instance, the glue and poison will be situated inside the paperlayers; the poison will therefore not harm domestic animals whilstnoxious animals or insects if they destroy the outer paper layer will beaffected by the poison.

The walls produced in accordance with the invention are very easy toconstruct; the building materials may be assembled at the building siteby an inexpert staff; the insulating plates, especially if stiffened perse (Fig. 11) may be applied without further implements and can beadapted, as to size. and depth, in any number to the bays of theframework of the building. A considerable interchange of materials ispossible. The application thereof may be arbitrary; for example,stifiened layers, as shown in Fig. 11, may be provided with a coating58, as in Fig. 15 for example, can be suflicient as an awning againstthe sun, as a screening means or the like.

Fgs. 16-18 show a .methodbf shoring arches which is particularly adaptedforproducing ceilings. For this purpose, insulating layers are usedwhich are of different width. In Figure 18 these insulating layers areall designated by the reference numeral 48 and are bowed to differentdegrees, forming air spaces 16 and I1 therebetween. Above the outermostbowed layer 48 there may be provided a moisture-proof layer 15 made oftar paper or the like, and this in turn may be covered by another layerof insulating web such as the laminated corrugated board structure 48 Inthe embodiment shown in Figs. 16 and 17, seven insulating cells '66, 61,68, 69, 10, H and 12 are formed in the arch. The insulating strips 48form the lowermost element of the-arch construction in this embodiment,and the uppermost arcuate element is designated 48'. Between theseelements there are provided intervening insuformed by an insulatinglayer 48 which is not perforated by attachment means 85 so as to avoidthe penetration of moisture into the other vaultshorings as alreadydescribed.

The vault-shoring or arched construction with its insulating cells 66-42is at once proportioned in accordance with the distance of the beams orjoists, while their length, owing to the use of paper 'strips or websmay be of any size. The edges 59 which are bent over may be fastened bybars I8 according to Fig. 1'7 and are clamped by means of struts I6between the beams, so that between these struts, too, insulating cellsare formed.

Directly upon the insulating web 48 '(Figs 17 and 18) which isadvantageously corrugated at the top, a ceiling layer I8 is arranged.This layer is made of quickly hardening materials and providesstrengthening means I8, 88 such as expanded metal, wire fabric or thelike. The plates of expanded metal which are arranged parallel with thebeams 8| may provide rolled edges in order to strengthen the margins andedges of the plaster layer.

In Fig. 18, the edgesof the expanded metal strips are bent upwards anddownwards respectively so as to overlap each other. Since thearrangement of the elements is chosen in accordance with the actualconditions, Figs. 17, and 18 show several possible embodiments of thereinforcements. The core of the covering dr ceiling layer I8 is formedby a packing 85 which preferably consists of wood shavings impregnatedwith cement. These wood shavings permit the maintenance of the cavitiesor cells and to internally support at the same time the layer I8. Insidethe packing further insulating cells 86 formed by tubes or other hollowcasings of corrugated cardboard are shown.

The layer I8 which is separated from the beams or girders 8I byinsulating linings 81 of corrugated material or the like, is maintainedin position by strips of iron or the like 88; the latter may rigidly beconnected to the beams 8I or may also lie with their bottom edges uponthe vault-shoring (Fig. 18). If the strips 88 be attached to the beams,they have at the same time a stiffening effect. The covering layer 18 isdisposed closely against the strips 88. A possible shrinkage onhardening or an expansion does not damage the covering layer, becausethe latter can give way upon the inclined boundary surfaces of thestrips 88 during the hardening process. The size of layer 18,strengthening means I9, 88 and packing 85 is chosen in accordance withthe load of the ceiling. Also, for example, continuous ceiling layers 18without a packing 85 and insulating cells 86 respectively may beprovided in the vicinity of doors, stairs and so on.

Between the beams a supporting strip 98 may be provided which will beattached to the floor in any suitable manner with a view to avoidingsagging due to compression of the layer of insulation board.

If building up a ceiling, for instance, first a supporting archconsisting of insulating webs 48, 48' and 48 and 15 respectively isinserted between the beams or girders, which arch may be prefabricatedor manufactured outside the building ground. However, the combination ofthe individual insulating webs (superimposed to each other before) maybe effected on the building site, if desired; the supporting arches willthen only have to be cut in lengths corresponding with the length of thebeams. After that, the arches are positioned, secured by bars I8 andclamped by struts I8. If desired, the bars I8 may be dispensed with, andthe struts I8 may contact directly with the bent edges 59.

As a further step, a relatively thin layer I8 of the plaster which is tocomprise the structure I8 is put upon the uppermost insulating strip 48which is applied over the layer I! as already described. This layer actsinstantly as an additional stiffening means, particularly since theplaster hardens very quickly. Besides, excessive moisture is avoided byadding the plaster in thin layers.

The structure if the covering or ceiling layer is adapted to theprevailing conditions. So, a layer 88 of expanded metal forreinforcement or a layer 8'! for separating the plastic material fromthe beams 8| respectively could be applied, for instance, beforepositioning the first covering layer. If the whole covering layer 18enclosing the packing 85 be placed between the beams, it forms togetherwith the shoring a conjoined, continuously extending floor arch. Bymeans of the strips 88, the individual floors are connected with thebeams (which may also consist of boxlike sheet-iron profiles, slender orthe like) and by means of the strips 81, over the beams and adjacentsupporting strips 88, with the next floor arch. This results, in a kindof arch construction which is the equivalent of a statically rigidplate. At places where inside the supporting arch the insulating cells86, G8 and II are superimposed, the covering or ceiling layer I8 or thepacking 85 respectively may be made thinner, so that here the maininsulating effect will be due to the supporting arch. Towards the marginparts of the arch, however, the insulating cells 89 and I2 or III, 81respectively are supplemented by insulating cells 86 and by the thickerstructure of the covering layer I8. In this way, a uniform insulation isobtained throughout the entire floor.

The building materials of the ceiling as constructed in accordance withthis invention, are inexpensive, of extraordinary adaptability and smallweight, although of suiiicient strength to comply with all requirements.

The underside of the ceiling may provide one or two insulating webs l8and a layer of expanded metal 9| which is attached to the struts I6 bymeans of nails 82 and serves for carrying the plastering.

Figs. 19 and 21 show the arrangement of bracing elements 3, such aswires or iron rods, for strengthening the wall sections, while theinsulating cells and insulating webs respectively are stifiened andsecured by diagonal elements 43 as already shown in Fig. 2. In Figure 2,the bracing wires 43. are wound round projecting nails or bolts 8, whichjoin at the same time the framing members 48, 4|, and are intertwined atI. Practically, the individual wires 48 extend in a zigzag line overlarge walls. So, also the diagonal bracing system of Figs. 19 and 21,comprising the wires 8 and also the outer wines 48 corresponding to thesimilarly designatedwires in Figure 2 and other figures, extends overlarge framing structures. The framework oi Fig. 21, for instance,consisting of columns or posts II and beams 48, is braced by wires 3which embrace the corner posts so that the diagrammatically illustratedbeam-grate becomes statically a rigid frame or;,

time the insulating webs 48 and agonals may cross each other; thus, a.vertical (Fig. 19) or a horizontal (Fig. 21) network will be produced.The wires may be attached to the skeleton elements at all crossingpoints, as by the nails, staples, or other suitable attachment means 5,which can also be used for securing the diagonal bracing elements 43,particularly when these elements serve for strengthening the walls orplastering as in Figs. 20, 22, and 23. In this way, bracing nets will beproduced in the horizontal and vertical planes of the skeletonstructure.

Fig. 19 shows in cross-section a vertical sepa rating wall where thediagonal wires 3 with their intertwined parts 4 are embedded into amortar layer 93 which completely encloses and envelopes uniformlydivided thread-like scraps or chips 94 of little mass consisting ofcardboard or paper. On both sides of such a uniform layer 93, 94,insulating webs '48 are arranged over each other in a suitable number oflayers.

Passing through the insulating layers 48 and the wall-cores 93, 94,nails, bolts or other attaching means 95 are-provided to form fasteningpoints for the diagonal intertwined wires 43.

Such strengthening means secure at the same may finally be covered bywire or partition reinforcing webs the insulating strips 48 is tensionedover such as lath or expanded metal. The outside is covered in knownmanner by a plastering layer 42.

v A separating wall or partition disposed between the upper and lowerbeams 96 and 91 as shown in Figure 19 may be advantageously erected inthe following manner. First, one of atemporary panel which is erected inthe space between the beams. Then the wires 3 are stressed by twistingthem layer 93, which may include the shreds or scraps 94, is poured. Thenails 95 can be driven into the partition as soon as the core of mortarhas sufficiently hardened, the points of the nails being bent for theretention of the bracing 'wires 43 which are later applied andtensioned. The additional insulating layers 48 are then applied to themortar surface and an outer plastering layer 42 is applied," as shown atthe left hand side of the partition in Figure 19.

It will be noted that, after the hardening, cavities and holes will beformed within the cores 93, 94 at places where the scraps 94 aresituated. Their insulating effect may be enhanced if the scraps areworked in a moist, swelled condition. Even if the scraps or shreds 94are not previously moistened, they will absorb moisture from the mortarandform, when dried and shrunken in place aircells and spaces which actas heat-insulating means, At the same time, the thread-like scraps 94make the mortar smoother; they may consist of chips and shavings ofpaper, preferably shredded corrugated cardboard.

Fig. 20 shows a wall with insulating cells 45,

46, 41 built up of sections of the insulating web or sheeting 48 andwith an outer plastering layer composed of scraps 94 and mortar 93 justas illustrated in Fig. 19. Similar insulating webs 48 applied to theright hand side of the wall in Figure 20, and similar to those appliedin the corresponding portion of Figure 3, are covered with a layer ofwire screening 49 or expanded metal to form an external covering of theassembly. An outer layer of plaster 42 may then be applied. Thus, thewall appearing in Fig. 20 provides a double insulation consisting of theair cells 45-41 and of the insulating layer 93, 94.

as at 4 after which the mortar The superimposed insulating webs 48 actas a b'ufling layer.

Fig. 22 shows a further bracing system for a vertical wall. In thiscase, wires 43 are continously tensioned in a zigzag line between thebeams 6, 1, where they pass over fastening means 5, such as clamps,hooks or the like. The tension of these wires is eifected byintertwinings as at 4 in'Figure 21 and others. In the case of Fig. 22the insulating layers for the vertical wall consist of corrugatedcardboard webs 48 which are arbitrarily superimposed in such a way thateach web overlaps the separating joints of underlying webs.

The outside coating of the insulating webs 48 is made in the same Way asin Fig. 20, and also a series of plastering layers 42 and preferably aconcreteor cement intermediate layer 2| may be used.

The application of bracing diagonals 3 and insulating webs 48 in thecase of horizontal separating layers may be effected, as shown in Fig.24, in such a way that directly upon the beam 49 a layer 2| of concreteor mortar provided with strengthening means 98, such as-e'xpanded metal,is arranged. The diagonal bracing system 3 is then disposed within beams49; floor boards 25 may be arranged on a supporting bar 24 whichprotects portions of the insulating system against compression.

The ceiling panel such as is shown in Figure tering or concrete layer98, 2| is located entirely above the plane. of the uppersurface of thebeam 48. The wires 3 are stretched across the beams and reinforcingelements 98, and the insulating webs 48 are then applied thereto.coating 25 is laid in the usual way, and the concrete or plastering 2|is applied to the reinforcing means 98. If desired, of course, theflooring and ceiling assembly could embody the air cells 45, 46 and 41as shown in the wall sections illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 20,especially'if additional insulating properties are required.

By the method just described a stiffened and rigid plate or panel willbe produced which is fire-, soundand heat-proof and which occupies butlittle space. The framing parts 48 may be surrounded with insulatingmaterial and can also be made absolutely fireproof. Between the framingelements and their coatings insulating webs 44 of tar-board or otherelastic material may be arranged on the inner and outer side or on oneside only, as indicated in Figures 1 and 3.

When positioning the air cells 45, 46, 41 (Fig. 1), itwill-be'advantageous to proceed so that the individual initiallypositioned corrugated cardboard layers 48 are first maintained by alarger number of struts l6. As soon as the first (outer) plasteringlayer has hardened, some of said struts can then be removed from theinsulating cells 41. The corresponding struts l9 of the next followinginsulating cell 46 will then be arranged about in the same height as theremaining struts l6 in cell 41. By such proceedings the entire walldepth (Fig. 1) will be progressively stiffened and braced. By theinsulating means, especially by the folded edges 59 and the webs 44, theframing parts are completely coated. The

the layer 2| above the I 24 may be so arranged that the reinforced plas-4| consist of Z- or 'U-iron, preferably standard shapes. Upon the legsor flanges of the steel shapes, connecting elements 26, which may be ofwood, are applied. Advantageously the steel elements are protected by aninsulating paint. If need be, the connecting elements 26 will be securedby correspondingly shaped clamps 2.

The steel elements and the connecting arrangement (using, for instance,bolts 8 which are only diagrammatically indicated) are chosen inaccordance with the principles of steel structures. Also, trimmingmembers 21 consisting of masonry or other compositions may be providedat the corners.

In Fig. 30, the air cells 45, 46, 41 are supplemented at the inside byan air cell At all events, the number of air cells and their dimensionsmay be arbitrary. The air cells are built up in such a way that firstthe outer cell 41 is formed by the insulating web 48. The skeletonrangement as shown in Figure 30 may be finished off by employing theconstruction shown in the other figures of the drawings.

For example, diagonal bracing elements 3 and 43 respectively and animpregnated insulating web 44 may finally be provided at the outside ofthe building as in the other embodiments. The bars l8 which are clampedin their position by struts I6 in correspondence with Fig. l bear on theone side against the flange of the web and press the same against thebeam or column 4| and on the other side against the connecting element26, whereby the latter is pressed upon the web of the vertical postprofile 4|. Then, the next succeeding air cell 46 is constructed from aninsulating web 48 and bars l8. By the connecting elements 26, theoutside fastening of insulating webs, wire fabric or the like will befacilitated.

The insulating plates shown in Figs. 26-29 are peculiarly adapted to beprefabricated outside the building ground; they comprise a cement 98,such as plaster, insulating webs 48, wire screening partition webs 98and wires or iron rods 89. The webs 48 are either continuously extendingor may also consist of separated insulating bodies, such as the crossedcorrugated cardboards indicated at I66 and llill'rFig. 28. Any suitabletying or attaching means indicated diagrammatically at 65 serve forjoining the insulating members I80 and I80 The edges of the webs 98 maybe bent or folded as shown at llil in Figure 29 so that they are helpfulat the same time for strengthening the edges of the plates.

While Figs. 26, 28, and 29 illustrate cross-sections of insulatingplates, Fig. 27 shows a perspective view of a plate the uppermost layersof which are removed so that its interior and the position of thestrengthening or bracing frame 99 is visible. Plates like those-of Fig.26 may also be manufactured with a thickness of 1 cm. and havenevertheless sufllcient strength for use as paneling for buildingconstructions. They can also be used as a supplement for boardpartitions or as carriers for plastering, since they can easily beconveyed and set in place. For carrying plaster, the arrangement ofcorrugated parts on the outside of the plate or web, as in Fig. 26, isparticularly suitable. In producing such plates. a layer of plaster ispreferably brought upon a suitably dimensioned web or strip ofcorrugated cardboard, whereupon wire bracings 98, strengthening members99 etc. are applied in a predetermined sequence, with an intermediatelayer of cement. The corrugated shape and, thus, the insulating effectof the air cells in the insulating layers will be wholly maintainedafter the hardening of the cement, especially if, as commonly is done,corrugated cardboard pasted with silicious varnish be applied thereto.The stiffness of the corrugations will not even be injured during theconstruction of the panels.

If desired, packings or coatings of jute may be used, although theimmediate contact between plaster and cardboard results in a completelyrigid combination so that the individual buildingelements can beproduced at any place.

- If the plates shown in Figs. 26-29 and which comprise air cells havenot yet hardened, they may be easily shaped at will. So, for instance,curved plates, angular edge plates etc. may be manufactured. All thesebuilding elements can be produced outside the building ground. At thesame time, the novel plates represent a favorable supplement for themanufacture of ceilings or for the bracing and support of any kind ofinsulating arrangements. Besides, they may be nailed upon a layer ofexpanded metal or be used for covering a layer of beams or otherbuilding elements. The reinforcing elements 98, 98 prevent the breakingof the plates.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a building wall or ceiling structure or the like, the combinationof intersecting structural members defining substantially rectangularbays, diagonally disposed bracing tension members for rigidifying saidbays, said members being secured at intervals to said structuralelements, and to each other where they intersect, insulating panelsdisposed across said bays and secured to said structural members.

2. In a building wall or ceiling structure or the like, the combinationof intersecting structural members defining substantially rectangularbays diagonally disposed bracing tension members for rigidifying saidbays disposed on both sides of the plane of said structural members,said bracing members extending across a plurality of said bays, beingsecured at intervals to said wall or ceiling structure, and intertwinedwith each other where they intersect, insulating panels disposed acrosssaid bays and secured to said structural members and additionallyretained by means of said bracing members.

3. In a building wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forthin claim 1, a coating of plastic covering material on one side of saidwall, said bracing members being embedded in said plastic covering.

4. A building wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forth inclaim 1 in which said insulating panels comprise spaced parallellaminations of corrugated cardboard forming dead air cells within saidpanels.

5. A building, wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forth inclaim 1 in which said insulating panels comprise spaced parallellaminations of corrugated cardboard forming dead air cells within saidpanels and in which an additional lamination of corrugated cardboard isembedded in said plastic covering.

6. A building wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forth inclaim 1 in which said insulating panel includes webs of insulatingmaterial and a layer of mortar containing shreds of fibrous material,such as wood shavings, paper or cardboard scraps or the like.

7. A building wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forth inclaim 1 in which said insulating panel includes webs of insulatingmaterial and a layer of plastic material containing shreds of fibrousmaterial, such as wood shavings, paper or cardboard scraps or the like,said shreds being surrounded by voids in said plastic material.

8. In a building wall or ceiling construction or the like as set forthin claim 1, a coating of plastic covering material on one side of saidwall, said bracing members being embedded in said plastic covering, andnails passing transversely through said wall or like structure to whichare secured said bracing members.

9. A building partition construction adapted for wall, floor, or ceilingconstruction or the like, comprising spaced structural supportingmembers, diagonal, intersecting tension bracing members disposed acrossthe space between said members, a panel extending across said space andcomprising laminations of corrugated fibrous material, thecorrugations'of adjacent laminations being crossed, layer of mortarapplied to said fibrous material, said tension members being embedded insaid mortar layer, additional metallic reinforcements embedded in themortar, and 'a final layer of plaster on said panel.

10. In a building wall or ceiling structure or the like, the combinationof intersecting structural members defining substantially rectangularbays, diagonally disposed bracing tension members for rigidifying saidbays, said members being secured at intervals to said structuralelements, and to each other where they intersect, insulating panelsdisposed across said bays and secured to said structural members, saidinsulating panels comprising a series of parallel webs of insulatingmaterial spaced transversely of said panel to form dead air cellstherein, each of said webs provided with flanges which are adapted tomaintain the spacing between said webs, and means for wedging saidflanges tightly against said structural members to retain said webs inplace.

11. A building partition construction adapted for inner or'outer walls,floors, ceilings or the like which comprises, in combination, a pair ofspaced structural members, such as beams, columns, girders or the like,and an insulating panel extending between said members, said panel com-I prising a series of parallel webs disposed in spaced relationtransversely of the panel and. each .provided with edge flanges arrangedin .contact with said members, and struts disposed so as to extendbetween the flanges on opposite edges of said webs and clamp themagainst said members. 12. A building partition construction adapted forinner or outer walls, floors, ceilings or the like which comprises, incombination, a pair of spaced structural members, such as beams,columns, girders or the like, and an insulating panel extending betweensaid members, said panel comprising a series of parallel webs disposedin spaced relation transversely of the panel and each provided with edgeflanges arranged in contact with said members, and resilient wedgingstrips sprung into position between the flanges on opposite edges ofsaid webs to clamp them against said members.

13. A building partition for inner or outer walls, like which comprises,in

construction adapted floors, ceilings or the umns, girders or the like,and an insulating panel extending between said members, said panelcomprising a series of parallel webs disposed in spaced relationtransversely of the panel and each provided with edge flanges arrangedin contact with combination, a pair of spaced structural members, suchas beams, colsaid members, and flat resilient wedging strips sprung intoposition between the flanges on opposite edges of said webs to clampthem against said members, said strips being of substantially the samewidth as said edge flanges and the spaces between said webs, so as toprovide stops therebetween.

14. A building partition construction adapted for inner or outer walls,floors, ceilings or the like which comprises, in combination, a pair ofspaced structural members, such as beams, columns, girders or the likevand an insulating panel extending between said members, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs spaced transversely of saidpanel, each secured along its edges to the adjacent structural membersand adapted to provide insulating cells, each of said webs also beingprovided at intervals with folds adapted to project transversely of saidpanel toward the adjacent web in order to subdivide the cells formedbetween said webs.

15. The building construction as set forth in claim 14 in which saidwebs comprise sheets of corrugated cardboard having layers of plainpaper secured thereto.

16. A building construction as set forth in claim 14in which thefolds,of adjacent webs are directed toward each other and disposedalternately along the length of the panel.

1'7. A building partition construction adapted for inner or. outerwalls, floors, ceilings or the like which comprises, in combination, apair of spaced structural members, such as beams, columns, girders orthe like and an insulating panel extending between said-members, saidpanel comprising a series of insulating webs spaced transversely-of saidpaneL'each secured along its edges to the adjacent structural membersand adapted to provide insulating cells, each of said webs also beingprovided at intervals with folds adapted to. project transversely ofsaid panel, the folds of adjacent webs being averated from each other,and distancing members arranged between adjacent webs.

18. The building construction as set forth in claim 14 in which each ofthe folds are stitched along a line spaced slightly from the plane ofthe web, whereby a recess of limited depth is formed on the oppositeside of said web forthe reception of the head of a fold on an adjacentweb.

19. In a building construction as set forth in claim 14, the combinationof additional laminations, such as metal foil or the like, to said webs,portions of said additional laminations being anchored within certain ofthe folds in said webs, whereby further insulating, moisture andradiation resisting, and insect repelling properties are provided.

20. The building construction as set forth in claim '11 in which each ofthe webs is provided at intervals with folds adapted to project from theplane of said web toward the adjacent web to further subdivide the cellsof the panel, the ends of said folds being slit and folded intosubstantially the same said webs.

21. The building construction as set forth in claim 11 inwhich thestructural members comprise flanged metal structural elements ofsuitable, cross sectional configuration, and in which slotted membersare applied to the flanges of said metal elements, against which theedge flanges of said webs may be clamped at such points.

planes as the edge flanges of 4 22. The building construction as setforth in claim 11 in which the edge flanges of said spaced webs aresuperposed and together clamped by said wedging strips between adjacentstructural members, the body portions of certain of said webs beingbowed to form an arched construction, such as for example in a floor orceiling arrangement, and a continuously extending covering layersupported by said arched construction.

23. A building partition construction adapted for floors, ceilings orthe like which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced beams orjoists and an insulating panel extending therebetween, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs of difierent lengths arranged oneabove the other to provide an arched structure containinginsulatingcells, roof-like angles formed in certain of said webs, and means forsecuring said angles to adjacent webs to form a trussed construction,edge flanges on all of said webs arranged in superposed relation at thesides of said panels, and wedging struts adapted to clamp saidsuperposed flanges against said structural members.

24. A building partition construction adapted for floors, ceilings orthe like which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced beams orjoists, and an insulating panel extending therebetween, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs of different lengths arranged oneabove the other to provide an arched structure containing insulatingcells, the lowest web being substantially flat and disposed in ahorizontal plane, the uppermost being substantially arcuate, andintermediate webs having roof-like angles formed therein, means -forsecuring said angles to adjacent webs to form a braced truss-like archedconstruction, means for securing the edges of said construction to saidstructural memberaand covering means for said arch construction.

25. A building partition construction adapted for floors, ceilings orthe like which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced beams orjoists and an insulating panel extending therebetween, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs of different lengths arranged oneabove the other to provide an arch structure containing insulatingcells, and a continuous covering layer of quick hardening plasticmaterial superposed upon said arch construction.

26. A building partition construction adapted for floors, ceilings orthe like which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced beams orjoists and an insulating panel extending therebetween, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs of difierent lengths arranged oneabove the other to provide an arch structure containing insulatingcells, a continuous covering layer of quick hardening plastic materialsuperposed upon said arch construction, cavities formed in said plasticmaterial, and filling material in said cavities comprising wood shavingsor the like impregnated with cement mortar and adapted to form a rigidbody.

27. A building partition construction adapted for floors, ceilings orthe like which comprises, in combination, a pair of spaced be'ams orjoists and an insulating panel extending therebetween, said panelcomprising a series of insulating webs of different lengths arranged oneabove the other to provide an arch structure containing insulatingcells, a continuous covering layer of quick hardening plastic materialsuperposed upon said arch construction, cavities formed in said plasticmaterial, and filling material in said cavities comprising wood shavingsor the like impregnated with cement mortar and adapted to form a rigidbody, said plastic material being provided with reinforcing elements totake tension stresses and additional supporting means for saidsuperposed body of material, comprising strips secured to adjacent beamsand received in recesses formed in said plastic body.

LUDWIG ARlVlIBRUSTER.

